London Ontario Canada Hotels

London, Ontario mirrors the moniker of the “other” London, across the pond, and the city lies on a river called Thames as well. It should come, therefore, as no surprise that this region is referred to as “Shakespeare Country”, with a distinctive British feel permeating southeastern Ontario. With the 10th largest metro population in Canada, you can expect a wonderful variety of London, Ontario hotels to use as home base while you explore this neck of the woods.

Whether you fly into London International Airport (YXU), arrive by train on VIA Rail or drive your own car, the city is easily accessible. Roughly equidistant from Detroit, MI, Buffalo, NY and Toronto, ON, you will be welcomed for a week or a weekend! Getting around by city bus or taxi is a snap, and NorthLink Bus takes you to nearby attractions as well.

Downtown London is the central hub of the city; therefore, many visitors choose a downtown London, ON hotel for convenience. Several institutes of higher learning are located here, including the University of Western Ontario, its associated University Colleges such as King’s, Huron and Brescia, and Fanshawe College; tens of thousands of students attend these schools.

London is known as the Forest City, boasting wonderful parks. Popular Fork of the Thames Park is found at the confluence of the North and South branches of the Thames River; another park found in the downtown area is Victoria Park – don’t miss its famous residents, furry Black Squirrels! Hike or bike trails and visit themed Storybook Gardens at Springbank Park, then stop by Covent Garden Market for a cup of tea and to browse extensive shops filled with locally grown produce, fresh baked goods and a wide variety of gastronomic temptations. The Met is a weekend artisans’ market, perfect for finding just the right creation to take home with you.

You will find plenty of cultural opportunities while visiting. Consider starting with Museum London to explore local history and visit Eldon House, oldest in the city; the whole family will enjoy seeing a 500 year old Iroquoian village at Museum of Ontario Archeology, and exploring the hands-on exhibits at London Children’s Museum. Visit Banting House, a National Historic Site memorializing the discovery of insulin. The Aeolian Performing Arts Centre has been entertaining people since 1884, and historic Grand Theatre has seen a long line of world famous performers on its stage – you simply must see a show while in town. Theatrical productions are also found at London City Music Theatre at Western Fair.

Western Fair Entertainment District hosts the annual fair, minor league hockey games, a popular Farmer’s Market and gambling action at OLG Slots at the Raceway. John Labatt Centre is home to the OHL’s  London Knights ice hockey team. Ski or mountain bike on Boler Mountain, tour Labatt Brewery for a sip of your favorite beverage, and visit the resplendent St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica - you will find London brimming with exciting things to do!

Fanshawe Pioneer Village sends you back to the 1800’s, with 30 historic buildings available, along with various tours and education programs. One of Canada’s best parks is found about 72 km west, Pinery Provincial Park, on the banks of Lake Huron. Visitors enjoy exploring coastal dunes and following nature trails. Port Stanley sits upon Lake Erie, offering beaches, birding and golf, less than an hour southeast of London. Perhaps you might enjoy the annual Stratford Festival, joining other Shakespeare devotees, found just an hour away. Niagara Falls Peninsula is about 2.5 hours away, well worth the drive to see this world wonder.

There is a lot to do in and around London, Ontario. OneTravelSource.com has all the information you need, including descriptions of attractions and events – just click on the tabs at the top of the page. Let us help you plan your next great getaway today!